January – February
ExcellentCalving season
Southern Serengeti & Ndutu
Wildebeest give birth on the nutrient-rich short-grass plains. Up to 500,000 calves are born in a few weeks; lions, cheetahs and hyenas follow the herds.
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Endless plains · 14,750 km²
Serengeti National Park guide
Tanzania’s flagship park, the stage for the Great Migration, and one of the best places on Earth to see lions, leopards, cheetahs and the Big Five in open savannah.
14,750 km²
Grassland, woodlands and riverine forest
1.5 million+
Wildebeest in the annual migration
Big Five present
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino
Year-round
Dry season, calving, river crossings
Northern Tanzania
What makes the Serengeti special
The Serengeti is Tanzania’s oldest national park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the centrepiece of the northern safari circuit. Its name comes from the Maasai word “Siringet” — endless plains — and that is exactly what you see: horizons of grassland interrupted by rocky kopjes, acacia woodland and river lines that support some of the highest predator densities in Africa.
The park is famous for the Great Migration, but the Serengeti is also outstanding outside migration months. Resident lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hyenas, wild dogs and over 500 bird species live here year-round.
- UNESCO World Heritage savannah ecosystem
- Big Five and Big Cats on almost every multi-day trip
- Easy pairing with Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara
- Fly-in or road-access options from Arusha
Serengeti at a glance
- Established
- 1951 (Tanzania’s first national park)
- Size
- 14,750 km²
- Location
- Northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya
- Nearest city
- Arusha (6–8 hours by road or 1 hour by air)
- Ecosystem
- Savannah, woodlands, kopjes, riverine forest
- Famous for
- Great Migration, big cats, Big Five
Month by month
The Great Migration through the Serengeti
The migration is not a single event — it is a continuous grazing circle driven by rain. The herds move clockwise between the southern Serengeti, the western corridor, the north and back south. Your guide follows the action in real time.
March – April
GoodGrassy plains
South & central Serengeti
The herds graze the last of the green before moving west. Heavy rains in April can make some tracks slippery, but the landscape is lush and crowds are low.
May – July
ExcellentWestern corridor
Grumeti River
The migration pushes north and west through the Western Corridor. Crocodile crossings at the Grumeti River offer quieter, less-photographed action than the Mara.
August – October
PeakMara River crossings
Northern Serengeti
The herds spread across the northern plains and cross the Mara River into Kenya and back. This is the dramatic, iconic river-crossing season.
November – December
GoodReturn south
Central & eastern Serengeti
Short rains refresh the plains and the herds drift back toward the south. Good value, excellent birding and fewer vehicles.
Wildlife
What you can see in the Serengeti
Big cats
Lion prides on kopjes, leopards in sausage trees, cheetahs on open plains. The Serengeti is arguably the best place in Africa for all three.
The Great Migration
Wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle in columns that stretch for kilometres, with predators and scavengers following every move.
Big Five
Elephant and buffalo are common, black rhino are found around Moru and northern areas, and lion and leopard are seen daily.
Birdlife
Over 500 species including ostrich, secretary bird, kori bustard, crowned cranes, vultures, eagles and seasonal migrants.
Four regions
Where to go in the Serengeti
Central Serengeti (Seronera)
Year-roundKopjes, river lines and acacia woodland make this the best all-year area for lion, leopard and cheetah. Easy access and good lodges.
Southern plains (Ndutu)
December – MayCalving happens here from January to March. The flat grasslands are perfect for cheetah sightings and dramatic predator action.
Western corridor
May – JulyThe Grumeti River crossings are quieter than the Mara, and the open woodlands attract elephant, giraffe and buffalo in big numbers.
Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
July – OctoberThe Mara River crossings and sweeping views over the Kenyan border make this the headline act during the dry season.
Serengeti safaris
Safaris that include the Serengeti
All of these are private departures with a 4×4 Land Cruiser, an English-speaking driver-guide and all park, conservation and crater fees included. The Serengeti needs at least two nights to do it justice.
| Itinerary | Nights in Serengeti | Other parks | 2 travellers | 6 travellers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Days Safari 4 Days | 1 night | Tarangire, Ngorongoro | USD 2,300 | USD 1,860 |
| 5 Days Safari 5 Days | 2 nights | Tarangire, Ngorongoro | USD 2,570 | USD 2,100 |
| 6 Days Safari 6 Days | 3 nights | Tarangire, Ngorongoro | USD 3,195 | USD 2,300 |
Prices are per person in USD, including park, conservation and crater fees with VAT, full-board accommodation, a private 4×4 and airport transfers. See the Tanzania safari cost guide for a full breakdown.
Serengeti questions
What is the Serengeti famous for?
The Serengeti is famous for the annual great wildebeest migration — roughly 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra moving in a clockwise circle between Tanzania and Kenya — and for having one of the highest concentrations of big cats on Earth.
When is the best time to visit the Serengeti?
June to October is the easiest time for general game viewing, with sparse vegetation and animals near water. January and February are best for the calving season. July to October is best for the Mara River crossings in the north.
Where is the Serengeti in Tanzania?
The Serengeti lies in northern Tanzania, stretching from the Kenyan border in the north to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the south-east. It is usually reached by road from Arusha (about 6–8 hours) or by light aircraft from Arusha or Zanzibar.
How big is the Serengeti National Park?
The national park covers 14,750 km² (about 5,700 sq mi), making it one of the largest protected savannah ecosystems in Africa. The wider Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is roughly 30,000 km².
Can you see the Big Five in the Serengeti?
Yes, all five are present. Lion, leopard and elephant are seen on most multi-day safaris. Buffalo are common, and black rhino are found in the Moru Kopjes area and the northern Serengeti, though they are shyer than the other four.
How many days do you need in the Serengeti?
At least two full nights. A single day means long drives and little game time. Three to five nights lets you cover different regions, catch sunrise and sunset drives, and follow the migration without rushing.
Is the Serengeti part of the Ngorongoro Crater?
No — they are separate protected areas, but they sit next to each other and are almost always combined on a northern-circuit safari. Many itineraries spend one morning in Ngorongoro and the next two or three days in the Serengeti.
What should I pack for a Serengeti safari?
Neutral-coloured clothing, a warm fleece for early mornings, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, binoculars, a camera with spare batteries and a power bank. See our Tanzania safari packing list for the full checklist.
Plan your Serengeti safari
Tell us your travel dates, group size and the migration events you most want to see. We will recommend the right Serengeti region, the best lodges or camps for your budget, and how to combine it with the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire.
- Private 4×4 with an experienced driver-guide
- Park fees, accommodation and meals included
- Tailored around the migration and your dates
- No deposit required at this step — reply within 24 hours